By Robert Wilkinson, Staff Writer
The Boston Celtics have always been the gold standard of the National Basketball Association. Over the course of the team’s 80-year history, they have secured numerous championships and featured legendary superstars across every era, all while maintaining a winning culture. Their most recent championship, in 2023-24, gives the Celtics 18 total championships wins, one more than the Los Angeles Lakers. When the 2024-25 season started, many analysts had high expectations for the team to go back-to-back. However, as the season progressed, several factors played a part in derailing those expectations.
As the season hit its midpoint, the Celtics lost players to illness and injury. Center Kristaps Porzingis, acquired from the Washington Wizards a year prior, was sidelined for the rest of the year. Later that year, during the conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, superstar forward Jayson Tatum suffered a season-ending Achilles tear and remains sidelined. After their playoff exit, the Celtics faced major questions about how to build for the following season without Tatum. The highlight of the season came when guard Payton Pritchard won Sixth Man of the Year.
General Manager Brad Stevens and Head Coach Joe Mazzulla faced many problems last offseason. Porzingis and guard Jrue Holiday, two instrumental pieces of the championship run, were traded away to save money. Steven shipped Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for guard Anfernee Simons. The Atlanta Hawks acquired Porzingis in a three-team trade. Boston received money, a 2031 draft pick and forward Georges Niang. The Celtics traded Niang to the Utah Jazz for two second round picks and rookie guard RJ Luis Jr.
They lost standout forwards Luke Kornet, who signed with the San Antonio Spurs, and Al Horford, who signed with the Golden State Warriors. Boston signed free agents forwards Josh Minott and Luke Garza from the Minnesota Timberwolves. They also drafted guard Hugo Gonzalez from Spain in the first round.
This upcoming season appeared to be a tough one. Guard Derrick White saw himself elevated into the third-option role, while guard Jaylen Brown emerged as the team’s one player without their superstar. Moving from the bench to the starting lineup, Pritchard also took on a larger role.
Experts believed the Celtics would tank at the start of the season in hopes of securing a higher draft pick in 2026. People feared Jaylen Brown would struggle without Tatum and with a lack of talent on the roster. Many predicted them to be a lottery team, especially given the roster’s youth. Boston started the season 0-3, but they flipped the script, and I’m all for it.
The Celtics are second in the Eastern Conference at 28-16. Brown has silenced the doubters, sitting second in the league in 30-point games this season, trailing Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Brown will also make his first career All-Star start since joining the Celtics in 2017. The team has also seen significant growth from the rest of the roster, especially from role players such as forward Sam Hauser and center Neemias Queta. Pritchard and White have also shined in Tatum’s absence.
As a diehard Celtics fan, I am grateful to see the team thrive. Many fans believe the 19th championship is closer than expected. Another factor many have overlooked is that Jayson Tatum could return this season. He said, “I’m ready,” following the Celtics win over the Miami Heat in early January. I am happy to see the Celtics play well. My bold prediction is that they will not only make the playoffs but also reach the conference finals. The Celtics are in a good position, and Jaylen Brown deserves his flowers.
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